Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The practice of Aquaponic farming is not a new technology, it dates back to the Aztecs, but recently it has has been re-discovered. Aquaponic farming combines the techniques of Aquaculture (fish farming) and Hydroponics (plants grown in water) to create the most sustainable food production system on earth. The system works by using a type of fresh water fish (usually Tilapia or Trout) that multiply in a water tank, then plants are grown on the water’s surface. The relationship works perfectly between the fish and the plants. The fish produce waste in the water, and through natural bacterial processes, fertilize the plants, which in turn clean the water for the fish. The process is completely organic and sustainable for both parties. And the best part is that this system can be used on a small scale in your backyard, or for commercial production on large farms.

But, it is relatively new to me - and might be new to some of you.

And, I want to share about a friend of mine who is using aquaponics in unique ways to extend the good for the all!

Using the rooftop of a church building in the heart of "the Middle East" - in Jerusalem - a brilliant and gracious young friend of mine (as part of a larger research team), Tim Evans - is using a new system of aquaponics to help poor persons in places where land is hard to possess. The testing of the system by the team, it is hoped, will lead to tests in actual family homes in Palestinian territories. "The aim of this research is to see if a system that is both affordable and sustainable could be designed to produce adequate fruit and vegetable yields on household rooftops in the Middle East, in refugee camps, and poor urban areas, as well as other less fertile areas in the world."

Tim said, "This has generated a lot of interest in the wider community, and we are hopeful that this could genuinely help poorer families to improve their daily diet, as well as provide enjoyment and satisfaction in moving toward self-sufficiency," said Evans. "In a part of the world where the urban poor and refugee communities do not enjoy many freedoms, there is significance in growing your own food and exhibiting more control in day-to-day life. We are very excited about the potential and are grateful for the support of the church and our other partners."

There is much more we can do to extend the good for the all. Tim is a personal inspiration to me about thinking in new ways about extending eupan!